Still Missing CO - Suzanne Morphew, 49, Chaffee Co, 10 May 2020 *arrest* #99

[MassGuy]

Thanks. I couldn’t remember if it was a member of LE that asked or who. If it was LE that asked, I would think this statement, if brought up at trial, could be very damning towards Barry, not that there aren’t enough other outrageous comments he made.

His whole behavior was off; not just that quote.

This case grabbed my attention right away, as it initially appeared to be a stranger abduction, which is an incredibly rare event on the whole.

Even more unusual, was Suzanne's victimology. She was a low risk victim, doing an activity in a low crime area. She was also outside the typical age range of someone who falls prey to a predator.

And on top of that all, it was Mother's Day.

Things only got weirder from there, as you'd fully expect to hear from the immediate family (Barry and daughters).

Look at every single recent missing persons case in the news; the family is front and center raising awareness.

Barry didn't do that, instead opting for a bizarre rambling Facebook video, in which he appealed to no one in particular. It was all over the place.

So him saying it was "too soon," was incredibly unusual, and ultimately incriminating. But it's his actions which spoke even louder than that.

He made that video because he knew he had to do something, and it was equal parts hilarious and disturbing.

Then he shut down, refusing to go on camera, and only speaking to the media when it suited him:

To deflect from the gun escapade during Barry's search.

To lash out at Andy.

To explain why he was selling the house.

 

[Seattle1]

His whole behavior was off; not just that quote.

This case grabbed my attention right away, as it initially appeared to be a stranger abduction, which is an incredibly rare event on the whole.

Even more unusual, was Suzanne's victimology. She was a low risk victim, doing an activity in a low crime area. She was also outside the typical age range of someone who falls prey to a predator.

And on top of that all, it was Mother's Day.

Things only got weirder from there, as you'd fully expect to hear from the immediate family (Barry and daughters).

Look at every single recent missing persons case in the news; the family is front and center raising awareness.

Barry didn't do that, instead opting for a bizarre rambling Facebook video, in which he appealed to no one in particular. It was all over the place.

So him saying it was "too soon," was incredibly unusual, and ultimately incriminating. But it's his actions which spoke even louder than that.

He made that video because he knew he had to do something, and it was equal parts hilarious and disturbing.

Then he shut down, refusing to go on camera, and only speaking to the media when it suited him:

To deflect from the gun escapade during Barry's search.

To lash out at Andy.

To explain why he was selling the house.

Let me add a couple more bizarre things to the first days of SM missing:

BM's nephew and family spokesperson (TN) would not publically identify BM to the media-- he was only known as "the husband." And then, he would not confirm whether or not the unnamed husband and missing wife lived together!

TN went dark as quickly as BM's FB video was released. According to LS, TN had a list of stipulations for reporters and to this date, reporters have no explanation why he ceased all communication.

MOO

 

[MassGuy]

Let me add a couple more bizarre things to the first days of SM missing:

BM's nephew and family spokesperson (TN) would not publically identify BM to the media-- he was only known as "the husband." And then, he would not confirm whether or not the unnamed husband and missing wife lived together!

TN went dark as quickly as BM's FB video was released. According to LS, TN had a list of stipulations for reporters and to this date, reporters have no explanation why he ceased all communication.

MOO

I want him on the stand for that very reason. Massguy is curious!

 

[Megnut]

That there were no chemicals at PP should hardly be exculpatory! He said he'd used it in April so it ought to have been there.

That it was no longer there when you'd expect it to be there is evidentiary!

The defendant disposed of it in order to conceal his method!

The defense would have the judge believe that a sheath was planted (which makes no sense because who could've predicted Barry would cop to owning, using and disposing of tranq materials?!) or that it had nothing to do with MDW (but again, then why was Barry disposing of tranq materials on MDW?) And what exactly was he doing on Saturday, in the minutes following 2:43? He admits he was running around, admits he was firing a weapon....

He himself fills in the blanks...

Question stands:

Why was there a syringe sheath at all?

He wasn't tranqueing chipmunk cheeks.

Unless that was a pet name.

JMO

 

[katydid23]

I hope this new prosecutor that came onboard, is spending night and day, composing a brilliant and well organised Opening Statement.

AND he is compiling a thorough and detailed timeline to help the jury with the backstory.

And perhaps most important, he is whittling down the witness list to the most essential, most compelling testimonies. If he can just convey the true story, in a meaningful, understandable way, Barry is going to prison.

 

[BeckyF]

His whole behavior was off; not just that quote.

This case grabbed my attention right away, as it initially appeared to be a stranger abduction, which is an incredibly rare event on the whole.

Even more unusual, was Suzanne's victimology. She was a low risk victim, doing an activity in a low crime area. She was also outside the typical age range of someone who falls prey to a predator.

And on top of that all, it was Mother's Day.

Things only got weirder from there, as you'd fully expect to hear from the immediate family (Barry and daughters).

Look at every single recent missing persons case in the news; the family is front and center raising awareness.

Barry didn't do that, instead opting for a bizarre rambling Facebook video, in which he appealed to no one in particular. It was all over the place.

So him saying it was "too soon," was incredibly unusual, and ultimately incriminating. But it's his actions which spoke even louder than that.

He made that video because he knew he had to do something, and it was equal parts hilarious and disturbing.

Then he shut down, refusing to go on camera, and only speaking to the media when it suited him:

To deflect from the gun escapade during Barry's search.

To lash out at Andy.

To explain why he was selling the house.

There was a combination of things early on that made me suspicious of Barry. All of what you said plus having someone else call 911 to report his wife missing. Then the video offering $100,000 reward for her return. Something told me then he was as fake as a $3 bill.

Its been a long almost 2 years following this. I can’t wait to see the handcuffs slapped on.

 

[BeckyF]

Let me add a couple more bizarre things to the first days of SM missing:

BM's nephew and family spokesperson (TN) would not publically identify BM to the media-- he was only known as "the husband." And then, he would not confirm whether or not the unnamed husband and missing wife lived together!

TN went dark as quickly as BM's FB video was released. According to LS, TN had a list of stipulations for reporters and to this date, reporters have no explanation why he ceased all communication.

MOO

Oh yeah, the TN behavior was bizarre. Also, setting up the gimme fund. I’m not sure if TN did that or Barry but dang! You live in a million dollar home and you’re begging for money?!?

 

[Kemug]

It's a good idea to have one of those if you're married to Barry. Then again, it's a good idea not to be married to Barry in the first place...

SD, take note.

 

[Seattle1]

Oh yeah, the TN behavior was bizarre. Also, setting up the gimme fund. I’m not sure if TN did that or Barry but dang! You live in a million dollar home and you’re begging for money?!?

Yup --the boogie man tainted the mountain mansion so the public must owe them 50 quid to help entertain their circulating guests??!!

 

[al66pine]

SM. Safety Deposit Box?

We all have wondered if Suzanne had a safe deposit box. Did Barry?

...safety deposit boxes still a thing?... but I don't even think my bank has them anymore.

My small regional bank still has them.

....
My bank certainly has safe deposit boxes. However, any cash tucked inside a SD drawer is not federally insured so if by chance, it all went up in smoke, there's no recourse.

some of ^ sbm ibm

What do people store in bank safe dep. boxes?
"... gemstones, precious metals, currency, marketable securities, luxury goods, important documents (e.g. wills, property deeds, or birth certificates), or computer data... which need protection from theft, fire, flood, tampering, or other perils."*

Did SM stash some special thing a S/D box?
Wedding/engagement ring set? Other jewelry? Diary or journal, describing marital difficulties? Her will?

If she had S.D. box, maybe LE got search warrant, opened box, found something of import, & produced info for Def., but this has not just surfaced publicly (yet)? Doubtful imo.
A quickie search of Salida banks revealed one location w S.D. boxes, PB&T Bank,** so that would have been relatively close for her. Maybe other banks close by too. my2ct

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A few asides.
Items in a bank S.D. box presumably are safer than at private home (esp'ly like PP home w no electronic security system), but as @DeDee said: no FDIC coverage on cash in S.D. box. Not on other contents either. As a matter of fact: "...despite the public perception of safe deposit boxes as being extremely secure, there is little incentive for banks to actually ensure this is true; there are no federal laws in the US governing the matter or rules that would require compensation to customers if property stored there is stolen or destroyed..."* bbm

NYT article: "Safe Deposit Boxes Aren't Safe."***

St. Louis, MO. floods in 1993 spawned multiple lawsuits against banks for damages to S.D. box contents. One ex: 18th Cent. Italian violin & mandolin. $315,ooo award, affirmed by state sup ct in 1998.****

Sometimes Mother Nature surprises. Ex: 2011 Joplin, MO..EF5 tornado w winds > 200 mph (320 km/h) which caused 158 fatalities & $2.8 billion USD in damages, the costliest tornado in U.S. history, destroyed bank but left its vault w S.D. boxes intact. See pic.*

This article says banks don't have it easy. "It's messy: What happens after safe deposit boxes get flooded" *****

Escheat laws, another possible peril: For anyone who has not been to the bank, opened S.D. box in the ~ past year, this article might prompt you to do so. "Why treasures in safe deposit boxes get 'lost'"******

@Momofthreeboys @Auntie Cipation
re banks still offering S.D. box services?
"In the United States and elsewhere, safe deposit boxes are considered a "legacy service"; many new bank branches do not bother to install any." bbm
_____________________________
* Safe deposit box - Wikipedia
** Safe Deposit Boxes | PB&T Bank - Serving Colorado Since 1889
*** NYT article w. paywall. Safe Deposit Boxes Aren't Safe
**** 1993 floods. SEITZ v. LEMAY BANK & TRUST COMPANY
FindLaw's Supreme Court of Missouri case and opinions.
***** It's messy... boxes get flooded
It's messy: What happens after safe deposit boxes get flooded
****** Treasures getting 'lost.'
https://www./community/topic/241628-why-treasures-in-safe-deposit-boxes-get-lost/

 

[Seattle1]

From pg 121/131 of the AA -- Agent Grusing told BM that they did not find any BAM (i.e., a brand name for a deer tranquilizer inside the house). Barry expanded here about BAM, Telazol, and Xylazine, and offered he last used rx tranquilizer in April 2020 (SM vanished May 10, 2020).

BAM Deer Tranquilizer

Of course this is totally inconsistent with what he told investigators on May 28 (page 23).

Barry was asked about the tranquilizer darts in his house. He stated that the darts' purpose was to tranquilize bucks to sell them. He said the bucks could then be placed in a trailer that has cubicles.

The tranquilizer is a sedative/narcotic and he only did this "tranqing" and selling of bucks back in Indiana. Barry said he has not used the tranquilizer or darts in Colorado.

Liar.

AA pg 23 -- also note Footnote #31

 

[al66pine]

S.D. Boxes. "Abandoned Property"

I have one in an adjacent county that I’ve paid 50 bucks a year for and have visited maybe twice in nearly 25 years...

@mom2chloe bbm sbm Please make sure that you protect yourself from the bank determining the contents are abandoned or unclaimed property, drilling the box, and turning contents over to the state, to be sold/auctioned under your state's escheatment statutes.
This can happen even when the box holder has not moved and would not be hard for the bank to locate. Sometimes the S.D. box holder has a checking a/c at the same bank. my2ct
_________________________________
"Why treasures in safe deposit boxes get 'lost'"
"Every year, untold numbers of safe deposit boxes are declared "abandoned," drilled open and their contents turned over to state unclaimed-property offices. Whatever's inside that can be auctioned -- jewelry, stamp collections, coins, watches -- eventually is sold to the highest bidder..."
https://www./community/topic/241628-why-treasures-in-safe-deposit-boxes-get-lost/ If this does not work, try:
"[link removed]" plus "treasures in safe deposit boxes"

 

[mrjitty]

My understanding was that Judge Lama denied the Vet as an expert witness because there was no tranquilizer Rx located inside the house, and without this, he found the theory that BM used a tranquillzer to incapacitate SM too speculative.

So does that mean that the ingredients in BAM (deer dart sedative) also can't be introduced?

I'm beginning to think the only reason that Judge Lama allowed the Rx needle sheath was because he views it as the equivalent of a BIC pen cap found inside the dryer (which it might as well be without the data explaining the Rx contents)!

I'm desperate to read Judge Lama's actual words in his Orders granting these defense motions.

BIB

Agreed.

 

[mrjitty]

Yes - this is what I recall Judge Murphy referencing about how BM put the tranquilizer back in his own hands only days before his wife disappeared (Apri 2020)-- after he first stated he'd not used any tranquilizers since Indiana!

Just one more example of BM changing his story to what he believes is in evidence.

MOO

And then, admitted he had thrown it all way!

He really panicked and thought they found a loaded or spent dart IMO

 

[mrjitty]

My feeling on the murder theory itself is the staging still tells us quite a bit, without us needing to know how it was done, or argue that theory in court.

In other cases I followed in excruciating detail, the body spoke to the nature of the murder. McStays - shocking brutality... a hammer used to terrify and dominate the victims. Pistorius - rage and overkill. Becky Watts - overkill, loss of control, sexual motivation, Jo Yeates / Grace Millane - strangulation, loss of control, sexual motivation, Meredith Kercher - sadism, knife torture, sexual motivation

Here we don't have the body, but the gaps in the staging don't hint at any of the above.

I am much more reminded of the Helen Bailey case.

Pre-meditated attack when victim is isolated. Use of pharma to stupefy (complete control). Clean kill (no blood/mess). Elaborate concealment.

All in all a thorough disposal of the victim, yet paradoxically, little thought given to credible explanation. The victim has simply vanished - almost like an arrogant in your face to law enforcement.

This all makes a lot of sense to me.

Imagine you have decided to kill your wife, and you are a controlling psycho, but not a raging one like Pistorius. This is all about your gratification but I don't believe BM sought gratification in the act of murder as an end.

Remember that strangling the life out of a human is an extremely difficult thing to do, if you are not one of those killers who for whom it is a fantasy. So a would be murderer planning his first victim looks for ways to make it as easy as possible on himself.

This is why the tranq and the perfect disappearance are such critical aspects IMO, because they speak to someone who wanted SM gone for other reasons - not someone who was motivated by the act of murder itself.

I hope this is the emphasis for the prosecution. How BM did it doesn't matter. It's the existence of the staging that points to his guilt.

 

[MemPat]

My mother's favorite word for BM would be scoundrel. As a 4yo, I thought she may be talking about squirrels.

Scoundrel - dirty thoughts, words and deeds, hands and nails, too
Good-for-nothing - another of mom's favorites - works harder, not smarter; cheapskate ATM
Fraudster - voted for an incapacitated and dead Suzanne - this crime never made good sense to me

Atypical - killed then skinned childhood pet; a BM teenager made cash selling pelts from mammals
Depraved - hunted wife as if she's prey with tanq dart as to more easily hide her body before decomp
Immoral - misrepresented value of IN business; called hired subcontractors methheads; accused murderer of Mother with two children

Unscrupulous - used mutual martial funds for silver speculation; prepared a place for Suzanne
Unwonted - thinks we'll believe there was a bike ride or any movement from Suzanne after 2:43pm Sat.
Wicked - premeditated wife's murder; hence, murder1 charge; knowingly lied to multiple FED Agents
Potential Philanderer - named witnesses, possibly unknown to us; AM and cute, young girls' searches

Cheap Cad - buries IN household furniture then loads his truck with antlers and hauls it to Colorado in order to isolate Suzanne; writes 3 words on a receipt found in the trash, to help find his missing wife, after hours, at the market but doesn't mention her age, height or eye color; meets woman, that potentially goes to the same gym, at the neighborhood dumpster; tosses possible evidence as trash and debris into McDonald's trash bin as well as tranquilizer materials placed into area dumpsters that are located 3 hours away from the PP home on Mother's Day

Respectfully submitted, IMOVHO
. the PP

Those words should make a nice carving on Bare's headstone. Add some running chipmunks across the top and it should be perfect!

 

[mrjitty]

I also recall on previous cases, reading a lot about organised vs disorganised killers, personalisation of crime scene, what the choice of murder weapon says about the killer etc etc

Dimly remembered thoughts i hope to research in the coming days

Poisoning is a rare and special form of homicide. Usually domestic. Indicates a more cunning killer (as compared to the usual strangling your wife one day and dumping the body in a panic)

Organised vs disorganised killer - many crimes reveal both traits.

Staging & personalisation

 

[susiQ]

Eytan said investigators found no syringes in the house containing the tranquilizer in question and that the syringe cap was not in a pair of Morphew’s shorts in the dryer.

RSABBM

THIS^^^is a most ridiculous statement. Come on now! How many times have you found and item in the bottom of your dryer that undoubtedly came from your or a family members pocket?! Goodness knows I wish those pesky Kleenex tissues would stay in! Quarter, dimes, nickels and pennies. I’ve even been fortunate enough to find some bills! I really hate the chapsticks that mess up a load.

Dead give away IE. YOU don’t do your own laundry! JMHO

 

[Love Never Fails]

I’m curious as to whether Judge Lama owns or is familiar with animals; domestic or otherwise. Given the 7 acres of property Suzanne and Barry owned this makes zero sense to me unless he legitimately has zero knowledge and familiarity. My husband and adult son were called to task tonight to hunt a coyote who had killed the boss’s calf and one of many I’m sure. They had no luck but how can anyone say with absolute certainty that a tranquilizer within a garage or other outside building and even within a house cannot harm wildlife or a human? I assisted a lady over the weekend who had a missing cat who was thankfully discovered in a neighboring shed or enclosure and found safe and well. It makes zero sense.
Threats of animals whether within or outside a homestead require different means depending on the threat. If one were to encounter a wild boar, bear, gator, coyote or whatever why limit the spaces within one would seek necessary precautions? I clearly don’t understand and welcome any input. People are often required to defend themselves with whatever is available and in whatever situation and landscape deemed necessary. IMO

My thinking as well. What difference would it make if BAM and dart were in an outside shed on the seven acres? It doesn’t matter where the materials were kept. The judge doesn’t know if Suzanne was injected inside or outside. The only reason a sheath was in the dryer was because Barry washed and dried his shorts, and that’s where Barry left the sheath.

 

[Love Never Fails]

His whole behavior was off; not just that quote.

This case grabbed my attention right away, as it initially appeared to be a stranger abduction, which is an incredibly rare event on the whole.

Even more unusual, was Suzanne's victimology. She was a low risk victim, doing an activity in a low crime area. She was also outside the typical age range of someone who falls prey to a predator.

And on top of that all, it was Mother's Day.

Things only got weirder from there, as you'd fully expect to hear from the immediate family (Barry and daughters).

Look at every single recent missing persons case in the news; the family is front and center raising awareness.

Barry didn't do that, instead opting for a bizarre rambling Facebook video, in which he appealed to no one in particular. It was all over the place.

So him saying it was "too soon," was incredibly unusual, and ultimately incriminating. But it's his actions which spoke even louder than that.

He made that video because he knew he had to do something, and it was equal parts hilarious and disturbing.

Then he shut down, refusing to go on camera, and only speaking to the media when it suited him:

To deflect from the gun escapade during Barry's search.

To lash out at Andy.

To explain why he was selling the house.

What bothered me most was that he wasn’t out speaking to the media and her family and that her daughters were behaving just as he was. It made no sense.

Regardless of which family member it was, you wouldn’t sit on your hands and say it’s too soon. And his note about her missing was insane to say the least.